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Allergen

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Positive reaction to allergen
Positive reaction to allergen

Definition    Return to top

An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens are substances that, in some people, the immune system recognizes as "foreign" or "dangerous" but cause no response for most people.

Information    Return to top

Common allergens include:

See also:

Update Date: 2/19/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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